The Future of Sustainable Packaging: Exploring Biodegradable Solutions Through Extrusion, Thermo-Expansion, 3D Printing and Supercritical Fluid from Agro-Industry Waste
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Due to environmental disasters caused by the use of plastic packaging, particularly expanded polystyrene (EPS), there is an urgent need to identify sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable foams derived from renewable polysaccharides have emerged as highly promising candidates to replace EPS, given their comparable cushioning and barrier properties. However, despite the rapid growth of research in this area, there has not yet been a comprehensive review addressing biodegradable foams as a specific class of packaging materials, particularly regarding their processing routes, raw materials, and functionalization. This work discusses conventional techniques for producing biodegradable foams, such as thermoforming and extrusion, as well as innovative methods, including supercritical fluids and 3D printing. It also examines key renewable polysaccharides and the incorporation of agro-industrial residues into foam matrices, aiming to improve performance and reduce costs. Furthermore, the article highlights advances in composite and nanocomposite foams, with particular emphasis on active properties such as ethylene absorption and antimicrobial activity capable of extending food shelf life. By directing attention to biodegradable foams as substitutes for expanded polystyrene, this review provides a unique contribution, filling a critical gap in the field and offering a foundation for future studies aimed at developing scalable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastics.
Source: Foods
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Funders: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações
Awards: CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, G1207375514, G1401612256, G152752261, G1606060802, G1810876116, G2104604375, G218411381, G2342025882, Development of novel magnetic nanocomposites based on hydrogel for evaluation as carrier vehicle of drugs and agricultural inputs, G2771129476, G29316538, G321761023, G3354200305, G3636144752, G3913662990, G4122540016, G4306053491, G4630647232, G4713030249, G5015438038, G52412434, G546943931, G6756993358, G6945349109, G7046883132, G7398828405, G7399657763, G79699886, G8083624480, G85014409, G871200192, Study of novel biodegradable carrier vehicles of fertilizers and agricultural defensives based on hydrogel and nanostructure silicates as an alternative in the combat of environmental impacts
OpenAlex ID: W4417273876